09-05-06 Council Business Meeting

The September 5, 2006 Business Meeting of the Nazareth Borough Council opened with the announcement of the resignation of Michael Davis and explanation of the process to fill the vacancy (read more here).

The Public Comment period was not extensive with roughly four comments and two letters (read more here).

The business section opened with approval of minutes, treatures report, bills to be paid and reports from Emergency Management, Ambulance, Zoning & Code Enforcement.

Emergency Management had no responses during the month. Ambulance reported112 Advanced life saving, 66 basic, 143 transfers, 433 wheelchair transfers, 2 accidents, and 39 cancellations.

Motion approved to create the position of "Program Financer" for the Summer Recreation Program whose responsibilities include seeking contributios, donations and subsidies...salary and candidate to be determined after Council discussion or at a later date.

Motion approved to hire Todd VanNortwick as Summer Recreation Program Director for the 2007 Summer Season.

Motion to approve an ordinance involving the vacating of a portion of South Green Street adjacent to the loading dock for Kraemer Textiles. Approved as Ordinance #722.

Motion to approve an ordinance which would prohibit parking on the south side of East Center Street, for an area west of Spruce Street intersection and also on the south side of 52 South Street, just west of Broad Street. Approved as Ordinance #723.

Motions were approved to recognize and honor a group of youth from Melsungen, Germany who were guests in the Borough this summer and conducted community service at the park; to honor Martha Fair Flagler, a resident of Moravian Hall Square who celebrates her 100th birthday on September 6, 2006; and to honor William Gold former recreation Board member who recently announced his retirement from the Commission.

Motion approved to advertise for a public meeting on October 2, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at Council Chambers to hear public comment, details of possible revisions and updates to current Borough Standards for Zoning related to healthcare.

Motion approved to advertise for an ordinance involving standards for noxboxes in the borough.

Motion approved to hold a special meeting to review resumes of applicants of Michael Davis' position at 6:00 p.m. on September 28.

Comment made by Jack Herbst that the Skate Board Group will meet Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

Motion approved to re-advertise to fill the opening on the Shade Tree Commission.

Motion approved to change the current policy for billing for refuse and recycling charges and to begin billing property owners rather than apartment or rental residents for the quarerly charges.

Motion approved to approve a $250.00 donation to the Nazareth Fire Police for additional services performed in conjunction with Nazareth Day.

Motion approved to hire Karen Herbst and Jamie Hill as "alternate" crossing guards.

Motion approved to allow Wayne's Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary to use the Park at various times for canine training for search and rescue operations. A certificate naming the Borough of Nazareth as additional insured has been received in conjunction with this request.

Motions were withdrawn to readvertise bids in order to bid them over the internet.

There were 32 Firecalls, 7 alarms, 8 accidents in past month.

There were 40 crimes, 6 criminal, 27 traffic, 29 trafficaccidents, 12 mischief, 2 DUI, 5 harassment, 1 robbery, 12 theft, 1 disorderly conduct, 2 trespass, 3 harassment by communication, 1 burglary, and 1 terroristic threat.

It was noted that the halloween parade will be Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 1 p.m.

Motion was approved to accept the lowest bid to fix the firehouse roof.

Motion approved to allow the Nazareth Midget Wrestling Association for use of Council Chambers on Tuesday, September 26 and Wednesday, September 27 from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m. for sign-ups.

Motion approved to accept the new formula based on the amount of per capita EIT payers (3,924 payers in the Borough) multiplied by $19.64. Borough share is $77,093.09.

The engineer noted that a motion was needed to apply for a community grant. Amount was $200,000 and $25,000 additional is typically provided by Borough for work done.

There was an executive session for contracts.

There was no old business.

Councilman Stoudt questioned if the resignation of Davis needed to be voted on. Solicitor Pierce stated no. If do vote Pierce stated Davis couldn't rescind it because it was accepted. Herbst made a motion and it was approved (I believe Bowers voted against it, but am not certain).

The meeting was then adjourned.